FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Parliament in Cyprus has approved a bill proposed by DISY MP Savia Orphanidou, to amend the Animal Protection and Welfare Law.
The new law aims to enhance penalties for animal abuse to serve as a stronger deterrent.
Under the revised law, offenders face fines of up to €20,000 and/or prison sentences of up to 24 months for a first conviction.
For second or subsequent convictions, the penalties increase to fines of up to €30,000 and/or prison sentences of up to 36 months.
The amendments were deemed necessary following recent incidents of animal abuse and killing, which highlighted that existing penalties were insufficient in preventing such offenses.
NORTH
Earlier this week, authorities in northern Cyprus enacted groundbreaking legislation to enhance the welfare of animals, granting them the legal status of “life”.
The Animal Welfare Law, which came into force on April 2, 2025, introduces strict penalties for those who harm or abandon animals, aiming to deter abuse and foster humane treatment.
Under the new Penal (Amendment) Law, individuals found guilty of killing an animal face up to eight years in prison.
Those who abandon pets after adopting them could face imprisonment ranging from two to four years. Repeat offenders may also incur higher penalties, including fines and imprisonment.